Coca-Cola launches ‘World Without Waste’ campaign

Coca-Cola Company has pledged to collect and recycle the equivalent of 100 percent of its packaging worldwide, and manufacture its bottles using at least 50 percent recycled plastic by 2030.

To achieve this ambitious goal, the beverage giant will need set up collect and recycling facilities in more than 200 countries where it sells its drinks range.

The company’s recycling strategy will also see investments in increasing customer engagement through educating them to recycle properly.

To this end, Coca-Cola will launch education plans at regional and local levels to inspire action.

James Quincey, President, and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said: “The world has a packaging problem – and, like all companies, we have a responsibility to help solve it. Through our World Without Waste vision, we are investing in our planet and our packaging to help make this problem a thing of the past”.

“Bottles and cans shouldn’t harm our planet, and a litter-free world is possible. Companies like ours must be leaders. Consumers around the world care about our planet, and they want and expect companies to take action. That’s exactly what we’re going to do, and we invite others to join us on this critical journey”, Mr. Quincey added.

To execute its recycling plans, Coca-Cola will partner with circular economy experts and organisations, including Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics initiative, the World Wildlife Fund and the Ocean Conservancy/Trash free Seas Alliance.

The move comes as more and more retail, food and beverage, and packaging companies embark on a battle to reduce plastic waste.

Last week, McDonald’s announced its plans to ensure that 100 percent of its packaging will come from sustainable sources by 2025.

In addition, the bottled water giant Evian has pledged that all its bottles will be from 100 percent recycled plastic by 2025- an increase of 75 percent in comparison to current rates.

Critics claim that pledges like these do not tackle the problem at its root, which would mean a reduction, or even phase out, of plastic production.